Pleasure Principals

Pleasure Principals

02 Jun, 2017

Equal parts sportsfisherman and day cruiser, the Grady-White Freedom 335 is serious fun

by Evan Monroe

Grady-White boats have been built in Greenville, NC since 1959, when Glenn Grady and Don White first hired local craftsmen to build wooden vessels in the coastal Carolina handcrafted tradition. Their first Gradys were, according to company owners, small, tough “works of art,” with flared bows, lapstrake sides, and steamed white oak frames and planking, all joined with brass
bolts and nuts.

Since purchasing the company in 1968, owner and CEO Eddie Smith has innovated in a myriad of respects, not least in refining fiberglass applications, pioneering the center console concept, and the brand’s exclusive SeaV2 hull, a design with a “continuously variable” V shape that provides a soft, dry ride while cruising or running, and stability when trolling or at the
dock—ideal for buyers venturing further offshore who desire a gentler, more comfortable ride.

Built for entertaining sizeable groups of fishing enthusiasts or pleasure boaters, the 33-foot Freedom 335 is, unlike a great many dual-console boats, replete with creature comforts, from bow seating to separate cabin and head areas, to plush helm and cockpit chairs.

The result is a gratifying balance of ruggedness and luxury, the latter highlighted by a wet bar with a refrigerator, sink, drink holders, Corian counters, and an optional grill.

There’s a 230-quart insulated fishbox in the bow (and another 166-quart box aft) and the starboard console head includes a shower, sink, and storage.

The port cabin offers a TV/ entertainment center, good storage space (including a closet), a sizable bench seat, and wood grain paneling. That bench converts to a comfortable two-person berth at the touch of a button, and an 8,000-BTU air conditioning system keeps things even more overnight friendly.

Inside the helm console is the head area, with shower and a teak flip-down seat.